HAMSTREET WOODSWalk
Hamstreet has been described as the “gateway to Romney Marsh”. It was one of the first areas in the country to be mapped by the Ordnance Survey. Hamstreet Woods was one of the first sites in the country to be designated a National Nature Reserve.
With three pubs, lovely independent boutiques and antique shops, and great little eateries Hamstreet is a haven for lovers of the outdoors. Every third Saturday a country market is held in the Victory Hall between 10am and 12noon which is well worth a stop.
Hamstreet Wood Walk – A natural haven
Hamstreet Woods is a remnant of the great Forest of Anderida which once covered the whole of the Weald of Kent. This peaceful circular walk starts and finishes at Hamstreet railway station so why not leave the car at home and let the train take the strain? Passing through Hamstreet Woods National Nature Reserve the route traces the ancient cliff line above Romney Marsh and joins the start of another popular long distance walking route – The Greensand Way.
Hamstreet Woods is a famous bluebell
site in the spring; featured in many walking guides and known well by locals
Location: Hamstreet (TN26 2DX) Distance: 2 miles (3.22km) Time: allow 1 hour 15 minutes OS Explorer Map: 125 Terrain: Well-defined tracks Parking: At start of walk or on road
Refreshments & facilities: The Dukes Head Public House in the village and local shops
! ! 0 0
Km 0.25 0.5 00.25
Miles
— this is the time to see the carpets in full bloom. This walk is a great length for the whole family so go on, get outdoors and let the bluebells put a spring in your step.
Walking directions:
From the station, take the footpath to the entrance of Hamstreet Woods. Follow the broad path uphill through the nature reserve along the former coastline.
English Nature uses traditional
woodland management methods, such as coppicing, to encourage wildlife to flourish. Wild service (chequer) trees can be found among the oak, silver
birch and hornbeam. This type of woodland flourished after the Ice Age and once covered the whole of the Weald. The woodland glades are carpeted with bluebells and wood anemones in spring.
Nightingales are heard in spring so
watch out for those; other birds regularly seen include treecreeper, hawfinch and spotted flycatcher.
Turn south and join the Greensand
Way for a short distance before following the route back towards Hamstreet village. The Greensand Way starts in Hamstreet, the popular walking route runs 105 miles (169km)
Start/Finish
2miles (3.2km) Stile
Gate
© Crown Copyright and database right 2015 Ordnance Survey 100019238
32 Mid Kent Living
Information and images supplied by Explore Kent
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